The Best Espresso Machines, Tried And Tested By Experts

Brewing a standard cup of drip coffee is a fundamental kitchen skill, but crafting true espresso is a much more complex task. Unless you have prior experience working as a barista, you should expect a learning curve—and that is completely normal. However, once you get the hang of the equipment, you will save significant time and money by creating your own specialty coffee at home.

The market is filled with espresso machines ranging from simple setups to models packed with advanced features like automatic milk frothers and integrated grinders. To help you navigate these options, we consulted Christopher Nicely, owner of Hooked Coffee and Wine in Venice, California. We also leveraged the expertise of Alameda, an industry veteran with 23 years of experience at major companies like Blue Bottle Coffee and Intelligentsia. By combining their professional guidance with our own comprehensive testing, we have curated a list of the best espresso machines for every home.

Summary of best espresso machines:

Best Overall Espresso Machine: Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine, ~~$699~~ $599 at Amazon

Best for Beginners Espresso Machine: Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine, $499 at Amazon

Best Splurge Espresso Machine: Breville Oracle Jet Espresso Machine, $1,999 at Amazon

Best Automatic Espresso Machine: KitchenAid Espresso Machine, ~~$1,699~~ $1,449 at Amazon

*All products featured on RecipesCal are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.

1) Best Overall Espresso Machine: Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine, $699 $499

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Pros: It comes equipped with a built-in conical burr grinder, tamper, and frother, providing all the necessary tools to brew a personalized espresso drink.

Cons: While the steam wand is very user-friendly, the actual milk-steaming process is slower compared to other machines we evaluated.

We rate the Breville Barista Express as the best overall espresso machine because it strikes a perfect balance between automatic convenience and manual control, all at a very fair price point. The unit arrives with everything you need, including an integrated tamper, grinder, steam wand, filter baskets, and a stainless steel milk jug. The built-in precision conical burr grinder is a standout feature; it holds up to a half-pound of beans—reducing the need for frequent refills—and delivers the exact amount of fresh grounds at the specific consistency required for every pull.

While the initial setup required some trial and error—it took us about six tries to pull a perfect shot—we were thrilled with the final espresso quality. Beyond letting you tweak grind settings, the machine automatically regulates water pressure during the brewing process. This results in an evenly extracted espresso boasting a rich, dark color and smooth texture.

The steaming function is a bit sluggish to engage, taking roughly a minute to complete, which is slightly longer than we prefer. However, the payoff is high-quality foam with tight micro-bubbles. In terms of maintenance, every component was simple to clean by hand, with the steam wand being particularly hassle-free.

"Breville is a fantastic entry point," notes Alameda, an enthusiast of the brand. "I can easily see the Barista Express lasting three to five years if it is well-maintained. By the three-year mark, you’ve definitely gotten your money's worth on a $700 machine. If you compare that to buying a $5 to $7 drink daily at a cafe, it pays for itself."

2) Best for Beginners Espresso Machine: Breville Bambino Plus Espresso Machine, $499

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Pros: The setup process is effortless, allowing you to start brewing espressos almost immediately.

Cons: It does not include a built-in grinder, so you will need to own or purchase a separate coffee grinder.

This approachable machine is designed with simplicity in mind, featuring a straightforward control panel consisting of just five buttons. Its lightweight and compact build ensures it fits seamlessly into your kitchen or can be stored away with ease. The unit allows you to create cafe-quality milk foam using its clear light indicators and steam wand, ensuring optimal texture with every use. Whether you are a beginner or a long-time espresso lover, this machine is a great partner for home brewing. It also offers flexibility, allowing you to adjust variables based on your grind size for a truly customized cup.

The machine utilizes smart technology to learn from your usage patterns, optimizing its performance over time. While we found that the steam wand could activate a bit faster, the machine compensates with reliable features, including an auto-grind function and a tamping lever to ensure consistency. The user-friendly touchscreen interface streamlines operation and walks you through the entire setup process with detailed instructions. Additionally, the sturdy lever-controlled tamper helps flatten the coffee puck for perfect extraction, all packed into a design small enough for limited counter space.

3) Best Splurge Espresso Machine: Breville Oracle Jet Espresso Machine, $1,999

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Pros: It is capable of frothing any variety of milk, offering adjustable temperature settings and eight distinct texture levels to choose from.

Cons: Aside from the high price tag, it cannot brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously—a feature found in true dual-boiler setups—which can slow the process down if you are preparing multiple milk-based drinks.

While you could certainly save over $1,000 by opting for a lower-tier Breville model, the Oracle Jet justifies its cost by blending automation, speed, and consistency into a sleek design. Out of the box, we found the setup process to be intuitive, regardless of your skill level. The interface is minimalist, foregoing physical buttons (aside from power and the grind dial) in favor of a comprehensive touchscreen display. The machine also features helpful lighting, built-in video tutorials for guidance, and automatic software updates via WiFi.

During our initial calibration, the machine detected some variances, which were easily resolved by adjusting the grind size. Once calibrated, it delivered consistently perfect shots topped with beautiful crema. The automatic tamping feature ensures the pucks are well-formed and evenly saturated, leading to uniform extraction. While it lacks a traditional dual boiler system, it utilizes Breville’s ThermoJet technology—specifically two units to manage heating and temperature maintenance. This ensures rapid heating, though it means you cannot brew and steam at the exact same time. However, we found this tradeoff negligible, as switching between tasks takes only a few seconds.

In our testing, the milk foam was velvety with excellent mouthfeel. We were particularly impressed that it handles alternative milks just as well as dairy—something not all machines can do. You can customize the temperature and texture to your specific preference, and we appreciated that the wand self-cleans after every use, requiring only a quick wipe with a damp cloth. It even includes capabilities for cold brew. While daily maintenance is required, it is minimal and keeps the unit running smoothly. Although this is a significant investment and great espresso is achievable on cheaper machines, we highly recommend this model if you have the budget.

4) Best Super-Automatic Espresso Machine: KitchenAid Espresso Machine, $1,699 $1,449

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Pros: It allows you to brew two specialty beverages simultaneously and gives you the flexibility to choose the order of preparation—coffee first, milk first, or frothing first.

Cons: The unit is bulky and heavy, making it less than ideal for kitchens with limited counter space.

The KF7 espresso machine features a robust construction of stainless steel and plastic, and while substantial, it sits securely on the countertop. Its expansive touchscreen provides seamless control over brew strength, volume, and temperature, offering a more user-friendly experience than competitors like the KF6 or SMEG. The machine includes a large water tank, a removable bean hopper, and an automatic frother with a detachable container, all of which make cleaning straightforward. Performance is highly efficient; dialing in the perfect shot took only a few attempts, and once configured, operation is a quick two-button process. We also liked that the side panel allows for effortless grind adjustments.

When compared to other premium fully automatic models, the KF7 excels in usability. It features simple disposal for water and spent grounds, a hot water cleaning cycle for the milk frother, and the impressive ability to brew two 16-ounce drinks at once—perfect for entertaining. Users can customize the brew sequence by choosing whether to dispense coffee or milk first, which helps tailor the drink's final consistency. You have the option to use the included milk container or attach the frothing tube to your own vessel. We also appreciate that the milk dispenses from the same spout as the espresso, eliminating the need to worry about steam wand angles.

One downside regarding the frothing is that you cannot adjust the milk temperature, which may be a dealbreaker for some. Additionally, the screen interface is somewhat basic, and there is limited clearance for taller mugs, though these are minor complaints. Overall, the KF7 blends intuitive features, reliable functionality, and durable build quality, making it a strong choice for both beginners and experienced espresso lovers.

5) Easiest to Use Espresso Machine: SMEG Espresso Machine, $999

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Pros: It stood out as the most consistent performer among both the semi-automatic and super-automatic models we tested, and it offers a surprisingly compact footprint for a fully automatic machine.

Cons: Navigating the controls to dial in specific settings was a bit tricky during testing, particularly when compared to competitors with more distinct buttons.

The SMEG Medium Fully-Automatic Coffee Machine is a stylish, user-centric device built to make espresso perfection effortless. We really appreciated the convenience of the fully automated process, which manages everything from grinding and tamping to steaming. Setting the unit up was remarkably simple; it needed almost no calibration, and our very first pull had a rich, syrupy consistency that was nearly perfect. It reliably produces well-balanced shots right out of the box with consistency. While we think the steam wand would benefit from being a bit longer, the machine's overall ease of use and reliable performance make it a fantastic option for anyone looking for a low-maintenance brewing experience.

Cleaning is straightforward, as the removable components can be washed with warm, soapy water and left to air dry. The machine creates creamy, textured milk froth that upgrades your coffee, ensuring excellent cappuccinos and lattes every time. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, the SMEG streamlines the espresso-making process and delivers outstanding quality.

This completes our list of the best espresso machines. If you want more posts about recipes and reviews, check our other blog posts here.